Aseptic Meningitis Caused by Enteroviruses

A broad range of microorganisms cause meningitis; viruses, bacteria, mycobacteria, mycoplasma, spirochetes, fungi, and protozoa have all been identified as causative agents. Some pathogens almost exclusively affect immunocompromised hosts, and some are confined only to endemic areas, but viruses are the most common pathogen worldwide. It is estimated that about 75,000 people in the United States suffer from viral meningitis annually. The annual incidence of bacterial meningitis in the United States is approximately 3 per 100,000 (Tunkel & Sheld, 1993), therefore, viral meningitis is far more common. Although the exact number of cases varies among countries, viral meningitis is the most common meningitis in almost all countries throughout the world.